Latest transfer news and rumours from around the Premier League including Liverpool, Arsenal, Crystal Palace and Burnley updates
Liverpool are ‘working’ on a deal for RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba this summer, according to CaughtOffside, as they look to retain their title ahead of rivals like Arsenal and Manchester City. The report suggests the player has a release clause of £77million in his contract. His current club could face a battle to keep hold of him amid attention from Anfield.
Lukeba, 22, is a France international with one cap under his belt so far in his career. He moved to Germany in 2023 and has since made 72 appearances in all competitions. Prior to his Bundesliga switch, he rose into the first-team at Lyon after graduating from their academy.
The 3AM Verdict: Castello Lukeba would be a smart signing by Liverpool if they were able to lure him to England. He is young, has bags of potential and would be a useful long-term option for the Reds. Virgil van Dijk isn’t getting any younger and although he can still play at the top level effectively, Arne Slot needs to start thinking about replacements for him down the line.
Arsenal close in on Cristhian Mosquera deal
Arsenal are ‘closing’ in on a deal to sign Valencia centre-back Cristhian Mosquera, as per CaughtOffside. They are poised to snap up the La Liga ace to bolster their defensive department. The 21-year-old is a Spain Under-21 international and has a bright future ahead of him in the game.
Mosquera, who is from Alicante, was on the books at Hercules before his transfer to the Mestalla in 2016. He has since played 90 matches altogether and has scored one goal from the back. Former Huddersfield Town and West Brom boss Carlos Corberan won’t want to lose him over the next couple of months but it seems inevitable that he will be on his way.
The 3AM Verdict: Snapping up Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia would be a shrewd bit of business by Arsenal. He would give them more competition and depth at the back and something different to what they already have. As with any young player from abroad though, it may take him time to adapt to life in a new country so patience is likely to be required with him.
Crystal Palace and Burnley target Jens Cajuste
Crystal Palace and Burnley are targeting Napoli midfielder Jens Cajuste, Sky Sports claim. He spent last term on loan at Ipswich Town in the top flight. Sevilla and Besiktas have also been mentioned as potential suitors.
Cajuste has gone back to Italy now but his long-term future is up in the air. The Eagles and the Clarets could both see him as someone to inject more quality into their options in the middle of the park. The latter have recently been promoted from the Championship under the guidance of Scott Parker.
The 3AM Verdict: Jens Cajuste will have learnt a lot from his time at Ipswich Town last season as they were relegated to the second tier. He would be a smart addition for either Crystal Palace and Burnley in this window. The Clarets need to get their recruitment right to ensure that they are ready for the step up in quality to the Premier League.
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